Skoda Octavia RS 2017 Review

But get past that toothy grille and goofy dual LED head lights and there’s lots to love about the revised RS hatch and wagon, including more kit and a power boost for the petrol version. Skoda Octavia RS retains one of the best interiors in the class and plenty of space too.

Just like the previous generation, the real appeal of the latest Octavia RS is its package of performance, practicality and comprehensive kit for thousands of dollars less than the equivalent Volkswagen and Audi products.

Yes, the previous generation Octavia's smart, understated looks might have gone, but otherwise it's business as usual for the Czech hot hatch and sporty wagon.

Headline news is an improved turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine for the RS with 169kW (up from 162kW) which matches the limited edition Octavia RS 230.

Good news from the pricing department too. Despite adding extra technology like Front Assist with City Emergency Brake, fatigue detection and a large 9.2-inch touch-screen with Columbus satellite navigation, the fast Octavia is up by only $1000 – still $2600 cheaper than the 70-run limited RS 230.

Like before, the revised Octavia RS comes with the option of a powerful 2.0-litre turbo-diesel which can be optioned with either the six-speed manual transmission or a smooth six-speed DSG automatic.

Things get even more interesting in the second half of this year when Skoda launches its fastest road car ever - the Octavia RS 245 which will share its 245hp (180kW) turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance.

With the option of either a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed DSG, the performance flagship Octavia (including a wagon model) is claimed to hit 100km/h in just 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h.

Sadly there are no RS 245s for our drive so we kick-off with the more sedate, and surprisingly smooth, RS 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, sampling both the six-speed manual and six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

In European markets Skoda offers the 135kW/380Nm diesel with all-wheel drive which provides useful extra traction in teeming wet conditions and an entertaining rearward bias when pushed - but this version isn’t coming to Australia. Instead, for buyers who don't mind sacrificing some sportiness for go (almost) anywhere ability, Skoda will happily sell you its all-wheel drive Octavia Scout.

Sticking with the diesel RS, off the line the oil burner feels far faster than its claimed 7.9 seconds to 100km/h. On the run, there is plenty of urge for effortless overtaking, but still the turbo-diesel doesn't quite earn its RS stripes.

For some that won't matter as they will be lured by the diesel's ability to return average fuel consumption of 4.5L/100km, but we think the revised petrol Octavia offers more thrills for the keen driver.

Taking 6.7 seconds to hit 100km/h, the facelifted RS matches the RS 230 away from the lights and is just 0.1 secs slower than the smaller, pricier Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Whereas the previous generation turbocharged 2.0-litre was criticised for being a little too cultured for a hot hatch, in the 2017 updates Skoda has partly remedied things by providing the petrol RS a completely new exhaust system and an 'RS' button.

Once engaged, there's now a sportier exhaust sound and a sharp lift of the throttle yields an amusing pop and crackle - but only in the dual-clutch DSG version as curiously the manual petrol refuses to take part in anything so childish.

We'd be lying if we said we could feel the extra 7kW under the bonnet but, for most, the petrol Octavia RS will still be plenty quick.

Given the choice of either the manual transmission or the DSG, we preferred the DIY method every time. The dual-clutch automatic is no doubt faster in every day driving, but when pressing-on hard in manual mode, feels like the lower gears are too widely spaced (a seventh forward gear as coming in the Skoda Octavia RS 245 should bunch-up the ratios nicely).

Like the previous Octavia, the facelifted version comes with Skoda’s 'Progressive Steering' – a variable ratio steering rack which can quicken its responses. It works well and never feels artificial like similar systems from sister company Audi.

New for the latest Octavia RS is optional Dynamic Chassis Control which comes straight from the Golf GTI. Available as part of the pricey $2300 Tech Pack (which also includes goodies like a premium sound system and auto parking), this is an option box worth ticking because, in comfort mode, the adaptive dampers provide a compliant ride which many rivals can't match.

Unlike the last RS 230, the latest Skoda Octavia dispenses with the VAQ LSD (an inclusion in the previous Golf GTI’s Performance Pack). Instead, Skoda has switched to the Volkswagen Group's XDS+ electronic differential which lacks any mechanical hardware and instead uses the brakes to shuffle torque to the front wheel with the most traction.

It's here you feel short-changed over the old RS 230. When worked hard, the e-diff struggles to blend the torque across the axle in the same way as the limited RS 230 or the old Performance Pack-equipped Golf GTI.

Skoda engineers claim they've retuned the Octavia's suspension as part of the updates. Changes include a ride height lowered by 15mm and a 30mm increase in the rear track.

This raises the question: Has Skoda finally narrowed the handling gap between the Golf GTI and the Octavia RS?

Sheepishly, engineers admit the wider rear track hasn't been implemented to create a Volkswagen-beater. Instead, it's to better fill the wheel-arches for aesthetic reasons.

Push on and the Octavia RS feels much the same as it always has - a little more prone to understeer and a little less willing to adjust its line via a throttle lift.

That said, there's still entertainment to be found and the Octavia is both fun and engaging.

Standard wheels are 18-inch alloys but you’ll find 19s on the options list and lurking behind both rims are bigger 17-inch brake discs which are both powerful and resistant to fade even if you ever venture onto a race track.

Interior quality remains close to Skoda’s German siblings. A thumbs-up for the Columbus infotainment system with its 9.2-ich screen which is fast, intuitive and easy to use – but you’ll have to live without the Golf GTI's optional virtual dashboard.

Interior space remains class-leading and the boot capacity exceeds many wagons and compact SUVs (the hatch alone accommodates 590 litres seats up).

As this facelift is based on the third generation model, ANCAP has already awarded Octavia the maximum five star safety rating. Autonomous emergency braking and fatigue detection are both standard.

Pricing for the RS range begins at just $38,890 (plus ORCs) which undercuts most rivals.

Combine that value proposition with Skoda Australia’s five-year unlimited km warranty and the conclusion is the latest Octavia is a fast, practical all-rounder with reasonable running costs – a verdict not even a dodgy nose job can ruin.

2017 Skoda Octavia RS pricing and specifications:
Price: $38,890 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 169kW/350Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 6.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 145g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP